Team Kelham Island Museum score with World Cup wedding

Kelham Island Museum scored the winning goal for a bride and groom whose wedding reception took place during England’s World Cup clash with Sweden.

Emma Davies and Gillon Peron planned their entire wedding from their home in Auckland, New Zealand, before travelling to Sheffield a couple of days before their ceremony took place at the museum.

And while most brides are putting the finishing touches to their plans, not only did Emma have to contend with travelling half-way around the world, she also had to deal with more than 100 guests who she knew would want to watch the match.

“When we first found out that the match was on at the same time as our wedding, we couldn’t believe it,” said Emma.

“But then we thought, we’ve got two choices – let people watch it on their phones, or make it part of our pals’ celebrations! And obviously, hope England get through!

“We thought everyone would be staring at their phone screens throughout the game, but then Bex our wedding organiser, suggested using the museum’s projector and the whole guest-list heaved a collective sigh of relief.”

Emma and Gillon had were married in front of the town guns in the museum at 2pm on Saturday, before their wedding breakfast in the Upper Gallery which staff delayed serving while guests watched the match in the Steel Area of the museum.

“We worked in Kelham for about eight years at the Fat Cat and really love the area,” said Emma. “So, getting married at Kelham Island Museum was an obvious choice.

“It meant all of our planning was done by email but Bex and the team at the museum were absolutely brilliant and being able screen the match was amazing.

“We had one Swedish guest who made our guests from Ireland, Scotland and Japan support his team so it made for an awesome atmosphere!

Bex Dyson, Kelham Island Museum’s hospitality and corporate services co-ordinator, said it was great to have been able to help with the World Cup wedding.

Wedding day to remember

“With weddings at Kelham Island Museum we pride ourselves on giving the bride and groom a day they will never forget,” she said.

“England’s World Cup match gave Emma and Gillon’s wedding an extra buzz and we were thrilled to have helped make it such a memorable occasion. We just hope that England can get all the way to the World Cup final now!”